From October 7 to 18 two-stage training courses were organized and held for the volunteers of the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Bases of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia through Voluntary Capabilities of the Republic of Armenia within the frame of the "Institutionalization of the Voluntary First Response Service " (VOLFIRE) project in the Republic of Armenia implemented alongside the Austrian Red Cross Society for strengthening the population protection systems in the regions of the Republic of Armenia.

It is noteworthy that the VOLFIRE project funded by the Austrian Development Agency in collaboration with the Armenian Red Cross Society is doing a huge activity to develop the volunteer rescue movement in Armenia by offering tools, sharing relevant resources, recommendations and best practice examples to encourage the increase of the readiness of the first response in emergency situations.

The training courses were held at the Lusakert training base. The basis of the project was the development of the capacities of 8 active Volunteer Fire and Rescue Bases, as well as the formation of 4 new squads, the renovation of hangars and old tanks, the re-equipment of the fire and rescue squads with the necessary fire and rescue equipment.

The opening speech at the training course launch ceremony was made by the Acting Deputy Head of the Rescue Forces of the Rescue Service of MIA of RA, r/s Colonel Bagrat Vardazaryan, the representative of the Austrian Red Cross and the Coordinator of the (VolFire) project Thierry Girard, the President of the Armenian Red Cross Society Davit Nersesyan and the Head of the Technical Cooperation Coordination of Austrian Development Agency in Armenia Klaus Kaper. The opening of the project was also attended by the expert of the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (EU DG ECHO) Nicolas Louis.

Among the organizers and trainers of the course were the rescue workers who participated in training courses for trainers within the framework of the program, the rescuers of the RS Psychological Assistance Department, the lecturers of the Red Cross Society, the representatives of the Armenian Red Cross Society, the experts involved in the program, as well as the instructors from France.

The rescuers who participated in training courses for trainers within the frame of the project, the rescuers of the RS Psychological Assistance Department, the lecturers of the Red Cross Society, the representatives of the Armenian Red Cross Society, the experts involved in the project, as well as the instructors from France were among the organizers and trainers of the course.

During the trainings, participants were presented with theoretical knowledge on "Forest and Wildfires", "Operational Management", "Warning Coordination", "Structural and Operational Fires", "Technological and Natural Risks", "First Aid", "Psychological First Aid". The French experts shared their experience with the volunteers and presented the possibilities of firefighting techniques, as well as solutions were given to the issues of interest to the participants through question and answer. Moreover, the volunteers got acquainted with the practical modules, already in the form of exercises and tactical training.

During the training sessions with Armenian volunteers and getting to know their practical skills, French expert Bernard Jannin specifically noted their excellent behavior stating, “The training involves groups from different regions, including even newly recruited volunteers who are being introduced to the field for the first time and we are very impressed with their behavior. Everyone is very dynamic, full of energy and adapts quickly. The volunteers both boys and girls quickly adapted and gained substantial insights, which is very commendable and noticeable”. 

There was a summary of the results and the certification of the training participants at the end. 

Notably that the courses will be permanent, contributing to the development of the volunteer institute for responding to emergency situations in all regions of the Republic of Armenia.